ESPIRIDION  I've used and recommended HoudahSpot for a long time. I seldom used Spotlight, and tried a couple of programs that provided a better UI for Spotlight. My search ended as soon as I tried HoudahSpot.

Although I still use other search applications, whenever I need to do a Spotlight search I launch HoudahSpot. It makes my searches more efficient. I get more relevant results and spend less time looking for information.

Great application and great support.  
(Version 2.4.1)

DRDUL  HoudahSpot makes Spotlight usable. I rarely ever use Spotlight the Apple way, as it's far easier and faster to find files with HoudahSpot. A few minutes to set up some pre-defined templates, add them to a stack in the dock, and you're all set!

the developer has also been excellent in responding to questions, bugs and feature requests. This app is what Spotlight should have been.  
(Version 2.3.3)

MACMARIA  Awhile back I commented on this app, saying that was not working properly for me and posing some questions that the dev had the gentleness of answering.

I must say that my initial concerns where unfounded. I've been using HoudahSpot for many months now and I'm very satisfied with the app: it's fast, reliable and complies to its promises. Also, the support is very, very good... with a very capable forum where questions are replied in short time.

Therefore, I'm giving this app the best evaluation possible. Simply because it deserves it.  
(Version 2.3.2)

EMB  I didn't upgrade from version 1.x to version 2.x because I didn't have Leopard. Now that I have finally moved to Leopard I decided to check out the upgrade price. To my amazement the price is 0!! On Houdah Software's site they say:

"We have decided to be even more generous that stated in the above policy. All registered HoudahSpot 1.x licenses remain valid for HoudahSpot 2.0"

That is a great deal for all of us 1.x buyers. Much appreciated Houdah.

Oh, and of course HoudahSpot is great.  
(Version 2.2.2)

JTEAM  Absolutely thrilled with HoudahSpot.

I usually want to search my entire drive and having to, every time, include System Files in Spotlight was a real hassle.

To be honest, Apple should just buy HoudahSpot and incorporate it's capabilities into Spotlight.

Until then, though, this is one of my favorite utilities.

PS The developer has been *insanely* responsive!  
(Version 2.2)

STEVE HODGSON  A fantastic application - Spotlight on steroids!

I cannot praise this application enough. It's a great combination of features (quick look, PathFinder support), speed and usability. The developer is very responsive.  
(Version 2.3)

MACMARIA  I've been trying this app against FileSpot and so far I'm prefering the latter. Why?

1) I can try FileSpot (FS) for 30 days. HoudahSpot (HD) on the other hand as a ridiculously small try of 15 or so queries.

2) FS integrates better the smart searches. HS saves them outside the app (besides this version trial doesn't seem to allow saves at all).

3) HS is much heavier on CPU usage. Specially when using the new menubar features. It crashed on my MBP (10.5.2) at least three times.

4) I do like the idea of a permanent menubar search (specially with the app being closed) but it must be better implemented to work properly.

5) The GUI of HS, although quite beautiful, is less practical than the FS one.

I wish that the developers would be more reasonable with the trial time. Right now I'm much more inclined to buy FS, even if the tagging features (very promising) are not working well (at least in my computer). However, on the search features, FS seems much more solid.

I don't think I have enough data to make a full review of HS, but I'm leaving here this comment.   
(Version 2.1)

IIGSTOMAC  Excellent program that fills the gap that Spotlight leaves. Much more focused searches, and quick too.  
(Version 2.0.4)

SEANC  I've disliked Spotlight's front-end since its inception. In fact, I found myself relying on EasyFind to perform searches even though it's much slower. Oh happy day when I first found HoudahSpot... It's exactly what Spotlight's interface should be.

I especially like the ability to create custom search templates as well as customize the default search template.

I'm hoping a future version will allow me to replace the Spotlight interface entirely (e.g., in the menubar, Cmd-F in the Finder, etc.) rather than existing alongside it as it currently does.  
(Version 2.5.10)

MACSYLVAIN  very easy to use. find anywordin my computer (mail etc). very helpful.  
(Version 2.3)